Shattered Perfection

Thirty One

While she was gone, Viv rang Autumn to check in. They were just getting coats on to go to the park. Jamie sounded so excited. Viv explained to Autumn that Siobhan had gone for a scan, the doctor had assured Viv that once the results were in Siobhan could be released as long as there were no issues. As she finished the call, Siobhan's bed was wheeled back in. Viv noticed immediately that something was wrong. Siobhan's hands were in fists, the knuckles were white clenching the blanket hard. Her body was rigid and she flinched with every movement. The eye which wasn't swollen was shut tight and she was breathing faster than normal. Viv could see her desperately trying not to panic. She went straight over to her putting her hands over Siobhan's clenched ones.

'Bon, it's ok, you're back with me, breathe gently.' Viv instructed calmly. She kicked herself, she should have gone with her. He stroked her hair, trying to get her to calm down. As the porter left, Siobhan's arm went around Vivian and she clung on tightly, burying her head in Viv's chest.

'Shh, it's ok,' said Vivian soothingly, gently rubbing her back being aware of her injuries. A sob escaped Siobhan. 'What happened?' Viv asked quietly.

'Too much,' was all she could make out from Siobhan. Vivian nodded, it must have been rather overwhelming.

'Try and slow your breathing down and you'll feel better,' she started, 'you're safe, there's no one here that will harm you.' Slowly, Siobhan began to relax against Viv's chest, her arms dropped down and her breathing slowed. 'Well done, my love,' said Vivian kissing her forehead again. 'I'm so proud of you.' She eased Siobhan back onto the pillow and sat back.

Just then, DI Crown poked her head in. 'Knock, knock,' she said quietly. 'Can I come in?' Vivian looked at Siobhan who nodded slightly.

'Yes, please do,' Viv responded, she sat back in the chair next to the bed but didn't let go of Siobhan's hand for a moment.

'Good morning both of you,' DI Crown said, 'I'm here to take Siobhan's statement if you feel up to it?' She didn't miss the look of communication between the women or their clasped hands. Siobhan took a deep breath and said. 'Ok, I can do it.'

'Yes you can.' Agreed Viv.

She went through what had happened over the previous few days from leaving Roger, staying at Autumn's house and the knock on the door. She stumbled over her words when describing how the man had attacked both her and Mia. Tears came to her eyes when she described being dragged out of the house, seeing Mia on the floor with all the damage in the hallway. She had no recollection of getting to the house but described the room and he interaction with Janice and finally Roger.

DI Crown clarified a few points as they went through it. Finally she asked, 'When Autumn came down the stairs she heard you saying something, can you tell me what that was?'

Siobhan looked a bit sheepish, 'I called him a pathetic excuse for a man.' Vivian snorted.

'Sorry,' she said.

DI Crown shut her book. 'I think that's all I need for now. We will put a case together for CPS who will then decide whether we can prosecute them both. We still don't know the extent of Janice's drug connections. So far, we know she had contacts in Spain, South America and Italy. She might be a smaller cog in a bigger machine.'

'Are we still at risk?' Vivian asked.

DI Crown looked serious. 'We don't think so. The likelihood is that CPS will prosecute, they won't be allowed out on bail as their flight risk is too high. I will keep you up to date with developments. In the meantime, can we take photos of your recent injuries?' Siobhan nodded. These were completed swiftly. Vivian could see her flagging. She was holding herself together while the policewoman was in the room but Viv knew she couldn't do it forever.